One in four women felt under pressure from their employers to return to work after having a baby and many felt “guilty” at getting pregnant, new research revealed today. A survey of 1,100 pregnant women disclosed that one in 50 were not allowed to sit down in work or have a rest break, despite their condition.
About five per cent missed out on promotion and a similar number had not been invited to key meetings or presentations after their condition was known. Karen Herz, pictured, who runs baby massage and yoga classes in Shropshire, said today that working women in the county did feel a certain amount of pressure when they fell pregnant.
“I have heard many stories where women have not had a great reaction from their employers and they do sometimes feel as if they have to go back to work when many would prefer to stay home for longer,” said Karen, who is also a post-natal fitness consultant..
“Very often women want to find a new way of working which helps them to juggle their career and a baby easier.
“Many employers are often unable or unwilling to try and accommodate that with any kind of flexibility. Women can be made to feel as if their pregnancy and motherhood is a burden in the workplace and it shouldn’t be like that.
“Women should be given the support to make choices that will be good for them and more importantly to have a pregnancy which is free from any unnecessary stress.”
Baby charity Tommy’s said its study was “alarming” and showed what little support was being given to pregnant women workers.
The report was published as changes to the Work and Families Act were published, which will lead to increases in maternity leave for hundreds of thousands of women. Tommy’s chief executive Jane Brewin said: “Pregnant women must be reassured that their emotional feelings and stress are commonplace.”
Karen will run a Baby Talk session at Oxon Church Hall on Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm, offering support and information about different things going on in Shropshire for parents and their babies.
By Women’s Editor Tracey O’Sullivan
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